Trail Overview

Part of the Daniel Boone Backcountry Highway, this trail is a moderately tough trek through a valley carved by Clifton Creek. Starting at the north end, the trail starts almost immediately after the paved road with a long drive through the creek. The road winds through a thick cover of trees from the Daniel Boone National Forest. The trail ascends past some cliffside rocks that leave the trail tight, and it's a rocky climb up several sections. There are some switchbacks with one passing a rock overhang that sports a waterfall if it has rained recently. Some off-camber tracks lead to some drops into ruts, with a slick hill climb at the very end. This trail is certainly doable but can be technical.

Photos of Clifton Ridge Road

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

A sharp climb over a broken drain pipe requires some positioning to climb over it, as it is a sharp 18-inch climb. Some of the ruts nearer to the top create a more than 2-foot off-camber drop that gives this the rating of 5. There are very limited spaces to pass a group of people on this trail. Some hill climbs will find people with lower clearance scraping a little to the top.

Technical Rating

Gary Mccartney

Mar 15, 2025

Open

muddy and slick with lots of deep off camber ruts

Jeremy Bartrom

Jun 22, 2024

Open

Trail was in normal condition as expected. The initial ascend up the hill is the most technical portion of this trail in my opinion. Other than that it’s a great trail for a beginner. I drive a 23 gladiator Mojave that’s all stock. There are a couple spots where my trailer hitch hits but other than that, great time.

Jeremy Bartrom

Jun 14, 2024

Open